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Puig given night off, expected back Sunday

Puig given night off, expected back Sunday

9/27/13: Yasiel Puig fouls a ball off his leg in the first and fifth inning, forcing him to leave the game in the sixth inning

By Austin Laymance and Ken Gurnick
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MLB.com |

LOS ANGELES -- Dodgers manager Don Mattingly was thinking about resting Yasiel Puig on Saturday, and that decision became easier when the outfielder twice fouled pitches off his left shin in Friday's game.

Puig was not in Saturday's starting lineup against the Rockies but made a pinch-hit appearance, and the rookie is expected back in the lineup for Sunday's regular-season finale.

"He was fine today," Mattingly said. "It's really just me being precautionary with him. We talked yesterday about possibly giving him the day anyway. I want him to play [Sunday]. It's really just being safe with him."

Mattingly is also being cautious with infielder Nick Punto, who was scratched from Friday's lineup due to an in-grown toenail on his right foot.

"We're going to be careful with him, too," Mattingly said. "There's no reason to have to run him out there."

Punto felt well enough to field ground balls and take batting practice before Saturday's game, though.

"It's feeling better," Punto said. "I'm fine to play."

Hanley Ramirez started Saturday's game, but Mattingly the shortstop would not start Sunday. Ramirez is dealing with an irritated nerve in his lower back and has not started consecutive games since Sept. 11-12.

Austin Laymance is an associate reporter for MLB.com. Ken Gurnick is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.